Installing Softphone Accessories

Even softphones use hardware sometimes. In this section, I quickly cover the installation of USB handsets and computer headsets for use with softphone-based Internet phone services.

USB handset installation

USB handsets typically require little configuration. Your handset will be provided with drivers that enable you to use it to control the features of your softphone. Be sure to read the installation instructions carefully. Some manufacturers have you install the software and driver before plugging in your handset; others require you to insert the driver disk only when prompted by your computer.

Note

Some handsets provide less than full functionality with certain operating systems. Read your handset's sales literature to make sure it will provide adequate functionality with your system.

A typical installation scenario looks like this:

1.	Connect your USB handset to your computer.
2.	Insert the software and driver disk when prompted to install drivers and software.
3.	Follow the included configuration instructions to enable the handset to operate your softphone.

Headphone installation

Installing a headphone is usually no more difficult than finding the proper jacks on the back of your computer. Your softphone software may offer an audio tuning feature that lets you set microphone and headphone levels for good communications (Figure 4.11).

Figure 4.11. Audio settings in Belkin's callEverywhere softphone